He’d dropped into the seat next to me, all floppy platinum hair and bright eyes, talking up a storm about how excited he was to be there. It was such a gut punch seeing him, bouncing in like we were going to be the best of friends, reminding me so much of another sweet, guileless boy who blew into my life much the same way. It had hurt to look at him. The scars from Theo’s disappearance were still open and raw at that point, so I’d almost changed seats to escape the reminder.
But I couldn’t. Something inside pulled me toward him, telling me I needed someone like him in my life. Nate helped me find joy again and for the first time since I met Theo, I had someone who I felt I could be myself around.
“Alright, I give,” I sighed deeply. “Lord of the Ringsmarathon, it is.”
Nate let out a whoop and tackled me to the couch happily. It wasn’t exactly what I had planned for the day, but making him happy was worth it. Hell, I owed him a lot. Ten hours worth of movies was the least I could give him.
“Where’s Theo, by the way? Did you invite him?”
“He went to see his dad for the weekend since I had an away game yesterday. I thought this was a good time for us to hang out, one-on-one. It’s been a while.”
“That happens when you get yourself a hot boyfriend who can sex you up all the time,” Nate grinned wickedly.
“Yeah, but that’s no excuse to not spend time with you, man. I missed you, weirdo,” I teased.
“Aww I missed you too, Dawby-Bear!” Nate lunged, smacking a wet kiss on my cheek. I groaned and shoved him off, wiping at the gross feel on my face, but couldn’t wipe my smile off with it.
By the end of the second film, my ass was numb and my eyeballs were dried out. I had tried not to text Theo during the day to let him enjoy time with his dad and focus my attention on Nate, but I was itching to hear from him. I eventually caved and pulled up our text thread.
ME
How’s it going over there?
THEO
Pretty great. I think we’re finally getting back to how close we used to be before everything.
ME
That’s awesome, baby. It was good you went to see him.
THEO
It was.
But I still miss the fuck out of you. Are you spending the night with me tomorrow?
ME
Try and stop me
THEO
Not a chance in hell, beautiful
Your bye week is coming up soon, right?
Shit, I’d almost forgotten that was in a couple of weeks. It was the one week that we didn’t have a game, a blissful reprieve from the stress of the season.
ME
Yeah, the weekend of the 19th. Have any ideas for us?
THEO
You + me = naked on the beach
ME
